3 days ago
Karly Rae, NSW teacher accused of sex with teenager, granted bail due to pregnancy
A high school teacher accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy near Newcastle has been granted bail after revealing in court that she is pregnant.
Karly Rae appeared in the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney via audio-visual link on Friday to apply for bail.
Earlier this week the 36-year-old pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old boy in October 2024.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 years behind bars.
Court documents allege that she communicated with the 15-year-old on social media.
The teacher also pleaded not guilty to possessing child abuse material and grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity.
Due to the seriousness of the charges Ms Rae was required show cause in order to receive bail and had to argue why her detention was not justified.
The show-cause provision hinged on her pregnancy.
While considering the release application today Justice Hament Dhanji was told Ms Rae was 23 weeks pregnant and due to give birth in September.
Prosecutor Lucas Velcic noted that there were complications with the pregnancy but stressed the case was strong.
"In short, the Crown submits it is a very strong – if not overwhelming – case in relation to the most serious of charges," he said.
But Mr Velcic added that the Crown accepted that the risk associated with gestational diabetes was "a persuading factor" in terms of showing cause.
Justice Dhanji said Ms Rae's pregnancy limited the risk she would abscond.
"She is a significant way through pregnancy and about to have a child, not to mention in custody," he said.
"In circumstances where there is no prior record, it would have to be thought in those circumstances [during pregnancy] the risk would be very much reduced."
The court also heard concerns about a prior release on bail when Ms Rae allegedly contacted the boy and asked him, according to the prosecution, to "give a false version of events".
Justice Dhanji told the court Ms Rae contacted the boy the first time she was granted bail.
"She telephoned the complainant on the 14th of January," he said.
Ms Rae has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.
Mr Velcic said he feared for the boy's wellbeing.
"The nature of the breach is very serious — five phone calls and the continual attempt to contact a vulnerable complainant, and those concerns remain today," he said.
Justice Dhanji granted bail and told the court the risks could be "ameliorated".
"She is well advanced in pregnancy and it is highly improbable there will be any attempt by the applicant to engage in sexual activity with a child," he said.
As part of her 10 bail conditions Ms Rae must report to police three times a week, be subject to home detention and not go within 500 metres of a port or airport.
She must also stay off social media.
Ms Rae's Legal Aid solicitor, Cleo Patrizi, did not speak during the proceedings but her client did motion to her several times.
Wearing a prison-issued sloppy joe and a gold crucifix necklace, Ms Rae sobbed throughout proceedings.
She let out a big sigh and put her head in her hands when bail was granted.
Ms Rae also sobbed when the court was told she would never teach again.
Ms Rae is schedule to appear in Newcastle District Court on July 3, when a trial date is expected to be fixed.
